Swing Piston Meter Filter with Dual Filtration Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Water volumetric meters with swing piston technology face issues due to abrasive particles like siliceous materials that cause wear and tear, leading to increased friction, leaks, and piston blockages, necessitating frequent filter replacements and maintenance, which can be costly and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A liquid meter with a swing piston technique featuring a filtering membrane with two surface zones of differing filtration levels, one fine and one coarse, to capture particles before they damage the device, reducing clogging and maintenance needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single fine filter is used to prevent particle damage, then particle protection is improved, but filter clogging frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle protectionVSAvoidfilter replacement frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The filter is divided into two distinct zones: a first zone with fine filtration capability to capture small particles, and a second zone with coarse filtration capability to capture larger particles. This segmentation allows the coarse zone to intercept particles before they reach the fine zone, preventing fine filter clogging while maintaining particle protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the filter have different filtration characteristics - the first zone has fine pores for capturing small particles, while the second zone has coarse pores for capturing larger particles. This local differentiation optimizes the filtration process by matching filter density to particle size in different areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If a coarse filter is used to reduce clogging, then filter maintenance is improved, but particle protection capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter maintenanceVSAvoidparticle protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter combines two filtration zones in one structure: a coarse second zone that reduces clogging frequency and a fine first zone that provides superior particle protection. The segmented design allows both functions to coexist without compromising either maintenance ease or protection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges coarse and fine filtration capabilities into a single filter assembly with two functional zones. The coarse zone handles large particle interception while the fine zone provides detailed filtration, combining the benefits of both filter types in one integrated component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If filter pores are made smaller to improve filtration, then particle retention is improved, but water flow rate deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle retentionVSAvoidwater flow rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter applies different pore sizes in different zones: the second zone has larger pores that maintain high water flow rates, while the first zone has smaller pores that provide superior particle retention. This local quality differentiation optimizes both flow and filtration performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The filtration process is segmented into two stages: coarse filtration in the second zone that maintains flow rate, and fine filtration in the first zone that ensures particle retention. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high flow and effective filtration without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The dual filtration system effectively prevents particle buildup and blockages, maintaining accurate measurements and reducing maintenance costs by minimizing filter replacements and ensuring continuous operation even at low water flow rates.

Implementation Method 1

a filtering membrane (7) having at least two surface zones (7a, 7b) produced with portions of filtering membranes with filters of differing degrees or levels of filtration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3969851B1Measurement device for a liquid meter with swing piston and associated meter
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 DIEHL METERING
  • EP3969851B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3969851B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3969851B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present invention relates to a measurement device (1) for a liquid meter with swing piston comprising: - a hollow chamber (2) pierced with at least one inlet opening (3) and at least one outlet opening and limited by a cylindrical lateral wall (4), a bottom (5) and a cover (6); - a piston enclosed in said chamber and held mobile, along a partition, around a well; and characterized in that said cover (6) is covered by a filtering membrane (7) having at least two surface zones (7a, 7b) produced with portions of filtering membranes with filters of differing degrees or levels of filtration. It relates also to the equipped associated meter.